Last week the HAREC Youth, Family and Community (YFC) education team participated in community summer programs.

Science Camp at Rio del Mar Elementary School, Oxnard, is an all-day, four week commitment. Rio School District Superintendent, John Puglisi, feels so strongly about STEM education that he offers this opportunity to district students, grades 2nd-5th, at no cost. HAREC educators were invited to participate in a pollination themed day. Over 70 third graders happily engaged in hands-on pollination activities. Time lapse videos allowed students to see pollinators in action and discussions about bees and their importance in our food system rounded out the experience.

Likewise, the team participated in Kids Day at the Club for Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley. Over 300 youth joined in STEM education that included plant science, entomology, robotics, physics and much more. The HAREC table overflowed with youth excited about planting butternut squash seeds and learning about other nutritious winter squashes.